Arif Asgar raises social awareness on COVID-19 creatively

Talented magician and ventriloquist Arif Asgar was passionate about puppets and magic from a young age. His show, The Asgar Show, is an informative and entertaining children's programme, featuring animal puppets. Asgar, who is a teacher as well, wants his audience to see the world through the eyes of animals. He also appeared on a television commercial to raise awareness against sexual violence. In a recent conversation with The Daily Star, he talks about making a video on the prevention of COVID-19 and more.

Recently, you produced a video on preventive measures against the coronavirus. Tell us a little about that.

I plan to produce videos and songs on coronavirus prevention in four parts. The first part, which was released recently, explains the importance of washing hands frequently for 20 seconds. The second one deals with the right techniques of washing hands and the third one is about maintaining social distance. The fourth one deals with the anxiety and panic surrounding the pandemic, and how Koko the monkey, my most popular puppet, gathers suggestions from doctors to stay safe and healthy. I have written the songs and script. The aim of making these videos is to entertain children with information through Bangla content. 

How did your passion towards magic and ventriloquism grow?

I was inspired by one of Satyajit Ray's short stories, Bhuto (The Ventriloquist's Doll), where the main characters were magicians.  I also had a friend whose father was a magician. I used to visit their house and learn different techniques from him. Both magic and ventriloquism are highly dependent on techniques. I was also quite skilled at mimicry from a young age.

How supportive is your family towards your passion?

My family is immensely supportive. In fact, my maternal aunt gifted me my first puppets, and a major part of the coronavirus prevention video was shot by my mother with her phone. They never discouraged me from doing what I like.

When did your first ever public puppet show take place?

I have been conducting professional magic shows for the last eighteen years. It wasn't challenging for me to incorporate ventriloquism into my own shows. For nearly ten years now, I have kept a segment for puppets, after my magic shows. Besides that, I have done different puppet shows on the streets and at schools.

What is your show, 'Bibahito Jiboner Golpo', on ABC Radio about?

Well, it is a weekly show hosted by Koko and RJ Shetu. We started the show in January.  It is a satirical programme, where Koko, the 'Jongli Ghotok' comes back from the jungle after 150 years, and shares his experience of being a matchmaker in the jungle. He also solves the audience's problems.

Could you tell us a little more about your puppet family?

I think I connect the most with Koko, because he is straightforward, charming and mischievous. Through him, I try to address matters that I would not normally speak about. Other than Koko, I have multiple monkey puppets, including Chandu and Jojo. Roky the parrot, Sultan the tiger and Anda the penguin are the other members. I also have a customised puppet of myself.  However, I haven't brought him on the stage yet. I plan to introduce some other characters in the future.